When you are given the all-clear and want to return home:

1. Call your local council to arrange for an inspection of the building.  This inspection is likely to require a building control officer, an environmental health officer and/or an engineer.
    
2. Things he/she will report on include:
    
   • structural adequacy, including undermining and foundation subsidence
   • removal of floor and wall linings
   • flushing of storm water and foul water drains
   • cleaning of septic tank
   • water supply
   • disposal of perished food
   • identifying sources of contamination.
     
     The report will detail what remedial work is needed. You should give this to your insurer when lodging a claim. 
      
3. Disconnect power and don't reconnect until wall linings have been removed, silt cleared out from the framing cavity, dried and approved for reconnection by a registered electrician.
    
4. Take all wet removable items out of the house for cleaning and drying (may need to arrange dry storage).
    
5. Open all windows and doors during the day to promote drying.
    
6. Don't replace wall linings until you have approval from a Council building officer or your insurance assessor.

Contact Tauranga City Council on 07 577 7000 to register your details.